For the 12 pioneer students of the International Aviation College, Ilorin, Kwara State, their dreams of becoming qualified pilots moved towards reality on Monday with the flag-off of the inaugural flight by student pilots of the institution.

Speaking at the occasion, the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, said the International Aviation College, which has now become fully operational, would fill a huge void, which existed in aviation training in West Africa.

Ahmed, who flagged off the inaugural flight on the occasion of his administration’s first year in office, said the college has made considerable progress, especially with the pilot training licence and approved training organisation license from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, which the college has secured.

"The institution is now licensed to train commercial pilots for a variety of aircraft, thus becoming the second institution in Nigeria to be licenced and the first by a state government," he added.

Ahmed disclosed that his administration, as part of the human capital development efforts, has given scholarship to six indigenes of the state who are students of the college.

The governor said in the spirit of Public Private Partnership ventures, the state government would reduce its stake in the college to 30 per cent equity.

Ahmed was optimistic that when the Ilorin Cargo Terminal is completed, the growth of the institution would be enhanced as Kwara State would witness increased trade and commerce.

The Chairman, Board of Directors of the college, Captain Edward Bayo, said with the inaugural flight, the students have achieved a progression from the basic theoretical studies to a more practical phase of their training.

Bayo said 20 new students would be admitted by July and another 30 in December for the production of well trained manpower for the aviation sector.
He, however, solicited assistance in the provision of 10 single engine aircraft, three twin engine aircraft, three flight simulators and increased budget for more technical and academic personnel as the Aviation College becomes a top rated one in the industry.